tsia2 reading and writing practice test 1

A placement test used in Texas to assess a student's readiness for college-level coursework in math, reading, and writing.

In context, which revision would most improve sentence 12 (reproduced below)? I am aware that what I see as determination, they sometimes see as a lack of realism.
  • A. Change 'I am aware' to 'I notice'.
  • B. Change 'what I see' to 'the quality that I know'.
  • C. Change 'they' to 'other people'.
  • D. Delete 'sometimes'.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

Option C enhances clarity by specifying "other people," which provides context and distinguishes the speaker's perspective from that of others. This improves understanding of the differing viewpoints on determination and realism. Option A, changing "I am aware" to "I notice," makes the statement less reflective and diminishes the depth of understanding conveyed. Option B's revision to "the quality that I know" complicates the sentence unnecessarily, losing the personal touch that "what I see" offers. Option D, deleting "sometimes," removes the nuance that acknowledges variability in perception, which is essential for conveying the complexity of differing opinions.

Other Related Questions

Which of the following sentences most effectively combines sentences 6 and 7 (reproduced below)? There are over 1000 different kinds of bananas. Most bananas that grow without human assistance are quite small, only about the length of a finger.
  • A. There are over 1000 different kinds of bananas, and most of the ones grown without human assistance are quite small, only about the length of a finger.
  • B. While there are over 1000 different kinds of bananas, most of the ones grown without human assistance are quite small, only about the length of a finger.
  • C. Of the more than 1000 different kinds of bananas, many of them are grown without human assistance, and many of those are quite small, only about the length of a finger.
  • D. Most bananas grown without human assistance are quite small, only about the length of a finger, and all told there are more than 1000 different kinds of bananas.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

Option A effectively combines the two sentences by maintaining the original information while clearly linking the two ideas. It states the fact about the variety of bananas and smoothly transitions to the specific detail about the size of those grown without human assistance. Option B introduces a contrast with "while," which is unnecessary since both statements are factual rather than opposing ideas. Option C inaccurately implies that many of the 1000+ kinds are grown without human assistance, which is not stated in the original sentences. Option D incorrectly prioritizes the size of the bananas over the variety, misrepresenting the main point about the number of banana types.
In context, which of the following sentences would most effectively be placed immediately after sentence 10 (reproduced below)? Eventually my stubbornness paid off.
  • A. Stubbornness seems to run in my family, since my brother is just as stubborn as I am.
  • B. Stubborn people can achieve much success and satisfaction.
  • C. I still like to juggle, even though I am no better at it now than I was in grade school.
  • D. I became a pretty competent juggler and am now almost as skilled as my brother.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

Option D seamlessly follows the statement about stubbornness, directly linking the trait to a tangible outcome: becoming a competent juggler. This connection emphasizes the payoff of stubbornness, reinforcing the idea that persistence leads to success. Option A, while mentioning family stubbornness, diverges from the personal achievement theme and lacks direct relevance to the juggling context. Option B generalizes about stubbornness without connecting to the narrator's specific experience. Option C shifts focus to juggling skills without addressing the outcome of stubbornness, making it less effective in this context.
Which of the following sentences contains information irrelevant to the passage as a whole and should be deleted?
  • A. Sentence 4
  • B. Sentence 5
  • C. Sentence 7
  • D. Sentence 9
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

Sentence 7 introduces an anecdote that, while interesting, does not contribute to the main argument of the passage. Its narrative focus distracts from the central theme, making it less relevant. Sentence 4 provides essential context that supports the overall message, while Sentence 5 summarizes key points, reinforcing the passage’s purpose. Sentence 9 offers a concluding thought that ties back to the main argument, enhancing the reader's understanding. Thus, only Sentence 7 diverges from the primary focus, warranting its removal for clarity and coherence.
Which is the best way to combine sentences 6 and 7 (reproduced below)? The poet expressed reluctance to proceed in this manner. It was not customary for him to write a commissioned poem for a certain occasion.
  • A. The poet expressed reluctance to proceed in this manner, and the reason for that was because it was not customary for him to write a commissioned poem for a certain occasion.
  • B. The poet expressed reluctance to proceed in this manner because it was not customary for him to write a commissioned poem for a certain occasion.
  • C. Because the poet expressed reluctance to proceed in this manner, it was not customary for him to write a commissioned poem for a certain occasion.
  • D. The poet expressed reluctance, because it was not customary for him to write a commissioned poem for a certain occasion, to proceed in this manner.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

Option B effectively combines the two sentences by clearly linking the poet's reluctance directly to the unconventional nature of writing a commissioned poem. This structure maintains clarity and conciseness, allowing the reader to understand the cause-and-effect relationship without unnecessary words. Option A is overly complex and uses "and the reason for that was because," which adds redundancy and weakens the sentence's impact. Option C incorrectly implies that the reluctance is a consequence of the customary practice, rather than the other way around, misrepresenting the relationship. Option D disrupts the natural flow of the sentence by placing "to proceed in this manner" at the end, making it awkward and less direct.